The Boys – Season 1

"Now we have villains all over the globe that only we can fight. In sequel after sequel after sequel."

There are a lot of superhero shows on the air. But The Boys is different. It’s a thought-provoking take on corrupt superheroes who embrace the worst side of fame. It’s also incredibly well made.

I watched the show’s pilot a few weeks ago and was immediately impressed by the concept. I also wondered if the show could possibly sustain that quality across its 8-episode first season, and thankfully it does! The show’s characters are so well defined, and the world is so immersive, that you find yourself completely engrossed by the narrative. It’s downright refreshing to see “evil” superheroes wreak havoc, particularly because the actual heroes of the show are ordinary folks without special abilities. It makes for a very imbalanced war, and that imbues the show with a real sense of urgency. Homelander, the show’s version of Superman, is exceptionally psychotic and violent, and he makes for a truly kickass villain. A show is only as good as its antagonist after all, and this Big Bad is terrifying.

If I had any complaints, it would be that I would have liked a bit more action, but there’s always hope for more spectacle next year. Thankfully, the plane sequence in episode four is worth the price of admission alone; it’s skillfully made and just plain unforgettable. It elevates the show to greater heights and keeps the ball rolling until the season’s effective cliffhanger.

Conclusion

With memorable characters and a clever take on the superhero genre, this debut season is a bonafide success.

One comment

Couldn’t agree more with your review. That airplane sequence was my favorite scene as well. I also felt there could have been more action sequences, hopefully the second season has more in stock. Loved how all the characters are so well fleshed out. Anthony Starr and Elizabeth Shue as Homelander and Madelyn were phenomenal.